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City News / Press Releases

Posted on: August 7, 2017

North Bend City Council Moves to Slow Growth

North Bend City Council members voted during the Aug. 1st meeting to authorize Mayor Ken Hearing to take necessary action to purchase land adjacent to EJ Roberts Park in North Bend. The City plans to preserve the property as either park land or retain its current state with only one single-family home.

The property, located at 709 NE 6th St., was originally listed for $1.2 million. Developers had entered into purchase and sale agreements to buy the Anderson property with plans of subdividing the parcel into 12 to 15 lots and building new homes on the site.

“At the time, because the City is focused on fixing our roads and improving our downtown, we didn’t have funding to purchase it,” Council Member Brenden Elwood, said. “Community members asked us to acquire and preserve it and attempted to raise $100,000 for the effort. We held an emergency public hearing to discuss the topic. We jumped into action immediately and were able to work out a deal to purchase it for $123,000.”

The City had hoped to partner with Si View Metropolitan Park District and purchase the land for a park. Si View was unable to proceed with this acquisition due to financial uncertainly about its funding sources due to possible suppression from upcoming King County levies.

The City then worked to partner with a buyer who agreed to purchase the home on the property and place a restrictive covenant on the remaining 2.5 acres to ensure that this land will not be subdivided. It will either be joined with the existing EJ Roberts Park or adjacent lots. As funds become available, the land will be improved with additional walking trails.

This unique private-public partnership has resulted in the preservation of this rural parcel for the community.